The one toy that is sure to drive the entire house mad is the squeaky toy. Dogs love them, humans, well, they can get annoying. But seeing our dogs happy is well worth the headache. Today let’s look at why dogs love squeaky toys.
The Science Behind Dogs’ Love for Squeaky Toys
That look of sheer delight on your dog’s face, when they get their jaws on a squeaky toy, is natural instinct. In the wild wolves had to hunt for their food. And when these powerful animals catch prey, there is always some resistance. Or in most cases a cry from the prey. Domesticated dogs might not have to hunt for their dinner, but that ancestral instinct remains deeply ingrained in their DNA.
That’s why dogs love squeaky toys. When a dog hears that squeak, it mimics the high-pitched sounds of prey. From your pup’s perspective, it’s a primal congratulations on a hunt well done.
When your dog sinks their teeth into the squeaky toy, the reward center in their brain lights up. The sound of the squeak triggers a release of dopamine. That is why it’s so important to have chew toys for your dog’s mental health.
So, not only does the squeaky toy satisfy their natural urge to hunt, but it also gives them a dose of happiness and satisfaction.
Some dogs might become completely obsessed with the sound, while others might only have a passing interest. The intensity of their prey drive can also be influenced by their breed and individual personality.
So, the next time you see your furry companion go wild over a squeaky toy, take a moment to appreciate the ancient instincts at play. While your dog might be living the domesticated life now, deep down, they’re still connected to their wild ancestors.
But that doesn’t mean that these toys are the safest for your dog. There are some serious dangers when giving your pup squeaky toys.
Potential Hazards of Squeaky Toys
As much as dogs love squeaky toys, we need to be aware of potential hazards. So, let’s talk about the not-so-fun stuff, that way your pup stays safe during all the fun.
Ingestion And Choking Hazards
Especially if your dog is a little too enthusiastic with their squeaky toy. Tiny squeakers and even bits of the toy’s material can easily be accidentally swallowed. This can lead to some serious tummy troubles or, worst-case scenario, choking.
Remember, dogs use their mouths as their primary tools for exploration. If they come across a loose squeaker their first instinct is to eat it. But squeakers can quickly turn into a trip to the vet if it gets lodged in their throat or causes an obstruction in their digestive tract.
Risk Of Dental Damage And Injuries
While chewing things like natural chews can help keep your dog’s teeth healthy, squeaky toys might actually damage your pup’s teeth.
Because some squeaky toys are made with hard materials that can cause dental fractures. And too soft of plastic will break apart even faster. And your dog might swallow those bits of plastic.
Furthermore, when dogs get caught up in the excitement of playtime, they can be clumsy. Trips, slips, and accidental bonks can happen, especially if they’re playing with larger or heavy squeaky toys. Bruises, bumps, and, yes, even the occasional broken tooth can occur in the heat of the moment.
Toxic Materials And Chemicals In Cheap Toys
Now, we all love a good deal, but when it comes to your dog’s health, squeaky toys can be downright dangerous. Especially the cheap ones.
Some budget-friendly vinyl toys might be made with not-so-friendly materials. This cheap plastic might have toxic chemicals that can leach into your dog’s system.
Imagine your pup gnawing away at a squeaky toy, only to unknowingly expose themselves to harmful substances. Including paint. No way! We want nothing but safe and enjoyable playtime for our fur babies.
That’s why you should spoil your dog with natural chews like beef cheek rolls. They are budget-friendly, safe, and healthy for your pup.
Tips for Safe Play with Squeaky Toys
While squeaky toys aren’t always the safest toy, you can allow your dog to indulge from time to time. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe when playing with squeaky toys.
Regularly Inspecting Toys For Wear And Tear
Dogs shouldn’t play with squeaky toys unsupervised. So every time your dog has a squeaky play session you’ll want to inspect the toy for any damage.
Take a close look at your dog’s toy for any holes starting. Tears and broken parts can easily become a choking hazard.
Properly Storing Toys When Not In Use
When you can’t watch your dog playing you should remove the squeaky toy. This keeps your dog safe and avoids choking hazards while you are away. However, because of the nature of plastic, you must store your dog’s toys properly.
Keep squeaky toys in a cool, dry place, and separately from other plastics. Because of the chemical makeup of plastic, heat can distort and can weaken paint and glues. Furthermore, some plastic can have a chemical reaction when touching other plastics. Some can even melt together.
Alternatives To Squeaky Toys
So, now that you know squeaky toys aren’t the best choice for your dog, what can you give your pup to satisfy that natural craving? Natural chews are the best and safest option for your pup. And shopping at Barking Buddha Pet is the perfect place to start.
Beef cheeks are a meaty chew that is safe and digestible. Your dog will love the rich beef flavor with none of the risk of chemicals.
Other safe alternatives are collagen chews, bully sticks, and yak cheese chews. All are natural and are the perfect way to spoil your pup.
Conclusion
Squeaky toys can provide quirky noisemakers that tap into our pups’ primal instincts. These toys can bring out their inner hunters and provide them with hours of entertainment and stimulation. Dogs of all shapes and sizes seem to share an inexplicable fascination with the magical sound of a squeak.
However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential hazards that accompany these toys. Ingestion and choking risks, dental damage, and the presence of toxic materials in cheap toys should be on every responsible pet owner’s radar.
With a little knowledge and vigilance, we can easily safeguard our furry friends during their squeaky adventures.
So, let’s remember to choose toys thoughtfully, opting for reputable brands and appropriate sizes. Regular inspections, along with supervised playtime, will ensure that our dogs get to enjoy their squeaky toys safely.